What’s So Funny?

We happen to take our stripes seriously you know and we will thank you to show a little respect!

“I wanted to share good news. The Lisbon Zoo in Portugal has a new baby Okapi, born in May. He was now presented to the public and he’s the only baby of his kind in Europe. And he’s such a cutie. Do you know they’re relatives to the giraffes? Hope you can give him some love.” -Vanessa (Sounds like the little dude needs a name!)

Okapi’s are indeed great animals! But to set things straight: the Lisbon zoo is not the only European zoo that has a baby okapi! We live in Antwerp, Belgium and Zoo Antwerpen manages the international studbook for Okapi. In this role, the zoo coordinates breeding recommendations for captive Okapi, with the goal of maintaining a genetically healthy population in zoos worldwide. The last male baby born in Antwerp (december 16) was named Ngwani, which means “child.” He is the 49th Okapi born at Zoo Antwerpen since Okapi first arrived at the zoo in 1919. There are currently eight Okapi at the zoo, including two other calves born in the last two years…